Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy with radiofrequency versus classic diathermy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This randomized study compared results obtained with the Ferguson's technique for the treatment of hemorrhoids performed with a radiofrequency (RF) scalpel and traditional diathermy.

METHODS:

28 patients affected by grade IV hemorrhoids were randomized to receive either the Ferguson operation with the RF scalpel (group A) or traditional diathermy (group B). The operating time, intra- and postoperative bleeding, postoperative pain, and overall patient satisfaction were all recorded.

RESULTS:

Six patients (three for each group) did not attend follow-up controls. Group A showed a significant reduction of the surgical time (23 vs. 33 min; p < .01), pain at first postoperative day (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] score 3.4 vs. 4.8; p < .05), and at the first evacuation (3.4 vs. 5.0; p < .05). No significant differences were observed for the pain score at the seventh postoperative day, or overall satisfaction scores at the 7th postoperative day, and six months postoperatively (p = NS). No severe complications were recorded. Two patients in group A (18.2%) and four patients in group B (36.4%) reported transitory gas incontinence that spontaneously resolved within one month (p = NS). Three patients in group A (27.3%) and four patients in group B (36.4%) required postoperative catheterization due to urinary retention (p = NS).

CONCLUSIONS:

RF scalpel shortens the operating time of the Ferguson operation and is less painful in the early postoperative period.

• Authors: Vincenzino Filingeri, Gianpiero Gravante, John Overton, Adam Iqbal, Luca Toti
• Journal: Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research (J Invest Surg) Vol. 23 Issue 3 Pg. 170-4 (Jun 2010) ISSN: 1521-0553 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20590389 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Catheter Ablation (methods)
• Electrocoagulation (methods)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hemorrhoids (surgery)
• Humans
• Pain Measurement
• Pain, Postoperative
• Patient Satisfaction
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome